The District Congress Committee (DCC), Phek today slammed parliamentary secretary Chotisuh Sazo for his recent remark that “backward label” on Chakhesangs was a “great shame”, saying Sazo was in “great shame” to be a Chakhesang.According to DCC, Phek president Mikha Kenye and general secretary Khosapa Venuh the committee was constrained to raise the issue due to the PIL filed in Gauhati High Court, but said Chotisu Sazo has opened the chapter for public discussion.Stating that “shame or pride” was not the basis of formulating policy, the DCC Phek members informed Sazo that the word “backward” signified the status of less representation in government service and was not viewed from the point of economy or civilization or qualification.“From his speech booklet we find his mind was set to provoke the Chakhesang community, wishing the community to voluntarily decide to remove the ‘backward’ label,” they said.The DCC Phek observed that the basis should be justice and equality particularly in matters of opportunities with special opportunities for backward communities. “It is a matter of policy and the local representative knows best the conditions of the community,” they said pointed out that the issue should be decided by the government and cannot be decided by the Court as to what quantity should be reserved for each tribe. The Phek Congress also said that they have no objection to any reservation quota given to any community. “However, to notify or de-notify ‘backward’, the government should make proper assessment and arrive at a logical benchmark,” the DCC Phek stated.They also demanded for justice and equal ratio representation and not category. Pointing out that allotting 4% has no basis and there was no logic, the DCC said the allocation should be based on population. Taking on Sazo’s regret for stating that were around 20% Chakhesang government servants, the DCC said Sazo read printed speech proudly and without slightest hesitation justifying his point of “great shame” and substantiating his point that 20% of Chakhesangs were government employees.Asserting that Sazo talks about “his scientific reasons” and admits of error, the DCC said it was “blind pride and ego” added with scientific ignorance. The DCC further attacked Sazo when it said his “immature and wild” allegation continued even in his rejoinder. DCC Phek said Sazo alleged that former finance minister K. Therie was cabinet minister when 25% allotment to Tuensang, Mon, Kiphere and Longleng, which was notified in the month of September 2005.However, stating to set the record straight, the DCC said Therie resigned on May 6, 2005. “Therefore, the allegation is unfounded and does not hold water,” DCC Phek said, adding the allegation was an attempt to divert attention and was an act of defamation.